Different Cultures Have Different Visions of the Meaning and Value

question 17

Essay

Different cultures have different visions of the meaning and value of art. Provide the author's definition of "art," and use this as a starting point for explaining why Western art became the standard for galleries and museums. Distinguish between Western and so-called primitive art, and explain the role anthropologists played in raising awareness of the latter. Highlight both the positive contributions attributed to and criticisms of anthropologists relative to notions of "ethnocentrism" and the "universal gaze." Provide two examples to discuss how and why "primitive" or "ethnic" art has become a collector's item.

---

Definitions:

Saliva

A watery fluid secreted into the mouth by glands, containing enzymes that initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion.

Divided

Separated into parts or pieces; often used to describe roads or cells that split into two or more pathways or segments.

Lobes

Divisions or sections of an organ separated by fissures, especially in the brain, lungs, and liver.

Lingual Frenulum

A fold of mucous membrane in the midline of the underside of the tongue, connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth.